Student Testimonies

"I love that I am in a program that is focused solely on studying scripture, theology, and figuring out myself. It gives me such great joy to think that I have assignments that require deep thought and journaling in order to sift out my emotions and what I am studying. How often do you get a year of your life to truly study Gods word, wise Christian author’s books, and yourself on a daily basis? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity." -Cecily

"It's crazy to me how much each week is so different.  I am constantly learning new things in uncomfortable ways.  But I guess that is part of the forging process."  - Amanda

“One of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had.”  -Joe

“We have the opportunity to learn from the best leaders around.  So much of what we need to know about good leadership we get to witness in person.”  -Brooke

“This has been a week of discoveries and the breaking of misconceptions for me.  This is going to push me much further out of my comfort zone than I realized.”  -Andrew

"I'm stunned to silence by God's goodness in giving me this program."  -Loren

Guest Speaker & Teacher Endorsements

"There is a continuing need to train young people to become quality leaders in the Christian community. The Forge program with its small number of select students and its intensive program is well suited to meet this need. I highly recommend it." -Jerry Bridges, author, The Pursuit of Holiness

"The Forge is a unique and enriching experience for the students.  During my few days at The Forge, I was able to see the impact the program has on students in helping them gain a much deeper and richer understanding of who they are in Christ.  The excitement and passion of the students to gain wisdom and skills for a lifetime of ministry was very evident.  Although not all of the students will serve in full-time vocational ministry, each one will be equipped to take the experience and learning they receive from The Forge and use it to lead and influence those around them."  -Rob Opitz, Partner, Rylander, Clay & Opitz, LLP

"One of the things Scripture teaches that's so hard for us to grasp is:  you cannot microwave maturity.  It takes time.  It takes a process.  I'm so grateful for the Forge because it takes seriously this issue which seems to be one of Paul's passions.  "The things that you've learned from me," Paul says, "entrust these things to the faithful that they will then be able to teach other and entrust to them" . . . So, there's this chain of custody and the Forge is very much a part of that process of passing the truth from one generation to the next."  - Gary Brandenburg, Sr. Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Dallas, TX

“The Pine Cove Forge program is a one-year investment that will pay a lifetime of dividends.  I highly recommend it.”  -Stan Ward, Humanities Professor, Brookhill Academy, Bullard, TX

Thoughts from Parents of Students

"Our son, Loren, was part of the very first Forge group.  We consider it the most valuable year of his life to this point. Spiritual disciplines, life skills, and leadership wisdom were all implanted in Loren.  But most of all, Loren’s heart was stirred towards a lifetime of mentoring; no matter what vocation he chooses to supply the needs of a family."  -Vic & Subee Ransom

“Almost daily we see the impact the Forge had in our daughter’s life.  It was time well invested.”  -Dona & David Stone

"When our son, Austin, told us he wanted to enroll in Forge, we were opposed to it. After all, we felt he needed to be making money at a "real job" at that point in his life, rather than gaining further experience as fill in labor for a camp in return for some Bible lessons, (not to mention that he would have to pay for the privelege!) We reluctantly agreed, mostly because he pretty much declared that he was going to do it with or without our approval. It proved to be a great blessing, however. Austin matured in many ways in his year with the Forge, most importantly in his walk with Christ. He remains clear to this day (2 years later) as to his mission to help others come to know the Lord, and has a strong heart for medical missions as a vehicle to do this. He seems quite comfortable with himself, confident, and shows qualitites of compassion and leadership in his life. I attribute much of what Austin has become to the lessons he received at Forge, and would whole-heartedly recommend the program." -David Teitelbaum, D.O.

"When I first heard about The Forge, I immediately thought of our daughter- it sounded "right up her alley" of something to do AFTER college.  It was her idea to apply, but she wanted to attend after only 1 year of college- and we were anything but supportive.  We were afraid that she'd lose momentum, wouldn't go back to complete her degree, etc.  Well, as God often does, He had a lesson for us through her.  We soon realized that we were restricting God to work in our little box, and He had bigger ideas for her life- living in community with the other students, learning from the Pine Cove staff and others, memorizing Scripture, working retreats, acquiring an insatiable love of reading, building on foundational faith.  It was an incredibly positive life-altering experience. (And she went back to college!)"  -Susan & Ken Eveland